Magdalena Andersson and Sanna Marin raised the interest of their countries in joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) after the special military operation launched by Russia in Ukraine.

Prior to the meeting, German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared that both nations are allies and close partners within the European Union (EU).

“It is very important that we talk here about security issues that are important for the continent,” said the German Federal Chancellor, moments before the meeting, slated to last for two days.

Debates are expected on the economic challenges arising from the crisis in Ukraine and the financial consequences of the “great transformation caused by climate change”, according to reports.

The leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) of Germany, Friedrich Merz, the main official of the opposition, announced that he is traveling to Kiev, after Scholz ruled out that option. Merz is planning to hold talks with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmigal and the Mayor of Kiev Vitali Klitschko.

The refusal of the head of government to visit Ukraine responds to the rejection by the executive of Ukraine to receive the German president Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

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